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About
The RESPONDER Partnership is an international multi-disciplinary research collaboration focused on understanding and addressing responder-perpetrated sexual exploitation and abuse (RP-SEA) in humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping contexts. Our aim is to strengthen evidence, accountability, and survivor-centred responses across diverse settings.
Mission Statement
Our goal is to work with survivors, communities, civil society, and institutional partners to build and sustain a research–practice network that strengthens policies and programs across governments, the UN, and civil society to prevent and address RP-SEA.
Vision Statement
We envision a world in which responder‑perpetrated sexual exploitation and abuse is prevented, reported without fear, and met with survivor‑centred justice and real accountability.
Responders
For this Partnership, we define​ responders as employees and associated personnel working for or on behalf of organizations engaged in humanitarian response and assistance, both on and off duty. This includes personnel from UN agencies, peacekeeping forces, humanitarian and development organizations, multi- and bilateral institutions, as well as staff and volunteers from local and national organizations delivering humanitarian aid, including those acting as implementing partners for international agencies.
Sexual Exploitation
We use the UN definition of sexual exploitation, which refers to any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially, or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
Sexual Abuse
We use the UN definition of sexual abuse, which refers to actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Why this work matters
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RP-SEA is widely understood to be underreported, meaning official numbers rarely reflect community experience.
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Reporting can carry serious risks due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and lack of trust in formal systems.
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Experiences and barriers can differ across groups, including women, men, LGBTQI+ individuals, and persons with disabilities.
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Better evidence supports better prevention, stronger accountability, and improved survivor support.
What the project covers
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Understanding community perspectives on justice, accountability, and reparations.
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Identifying perceived benefits and risks of reporting.
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Supporting practical, survivor-centred recommendations for policy and practice.
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Training and mentorship for students and emerging researchers.
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